Half a century after her golden years at La Scala, Maria Callas continues to astound the senses. Here’s a highly-wrought performance of Umberto Giordano’s verismo masterpiece, La mamma morta, an aria from the opera Andrea Chenier.
The movie “Philadelphia” starring Tom Hanks and Denzel Washington, in a poignant scene, used the aria to underscore the searing, dramatic intent of the movie.
Callas’ interpretation remains unparalleled. The recitative opening is full of pathos and grief, when she laments, “I bring misfortune to those who love me,” her voice dramatizes the despair and helplessness of her character’s (Madeleine de Croissy) circumstances.
Despite the turbulent times, Madeleine manages to survive mainly because she falls in love as well (with Andrea Chenier) and this provides her with a source of comfort and strength. This is displayed vocally via a shift to a major key after a brief interlude by a solo cello. The mood changes to one of defiant hope, a crescendo towards a shattering fortissimo.
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